Bird life is about habitat. Ucluelet's rich habitats include ocean, rocky shoreline, mudflats and old growth forest. Ukee's great bird show headlines hundreds of species. These include bald eagles and great blue herons from the seashore, chestnut-backed chickadees and blue-purple Steller's jays from the forest - and migrant birds including Roufus hummingbirds and orange-crowned warblers. Bird watchers don't have to leave town to find the bald eagles. Not at all shy, baby eagles are frequently spotted in nests right in town.
Bird-Watching Tours
Just Birding is based in Tofino, but it's the only outfit of its kind on the Ucluth Peninsula and it transports bird-lovers to Ukee waters. Its owners have 40 years of professional bird-watching under their belts. Their B&B is called B & B - only for Bird-and-Breakfast.
George Bradd's Right Stuff
Just Birding owner George Bradd has the right stuff, a veteran guide whose birding has taken him to California, Mexico, Fiji and Australia. Departing guests rave about seeing bald eagles, western sandpipers, lesser yellowlegs, marbled murrlets, black oystercatchers, Pacific loons and many others in a span of 48 hours.
Early Bird Tour
The literal Early Bird Tour focuses on shore and sea birds. Paddle with Eagles has visitors in 22-foot Voyageur canoes that stealthily close in on bald eagles in the tops of old cedars. During the salmon migration in the fall, tours take on extra dimension as eagles swoop into the sea in pursuit of salmon dinners. Find out more about bird watching tours at the Ucluelet Visitor Centre.